The four group winners Croatia, Hungary, Italy and Spain all qualified directly to the last eight, with the remaining places set to be decided through the crossover matches.

In Group B, hosts Croatia earned top spot and a last-eight place after a 5-5 draw with Greece, with the low-scoring contest being played out in front of a sold out Spaladium Arena that was holding 9,000 fans.

In the group’s other match France overcame Malta 15-8.

In Group D defending champions Hungary secured top spot with a big 23-4 triumph over Israel, with Krisztian Manhercz top scoring with six goals.

Elsewhere in the group reigning Olympic champions Serbia ended with a win defeating Slovenia 17-6.

In Group A Italy secured a quarter-final place ending the group undefeated thanks to a 13-8 win over Montenegro.

The group’s other match saw Georgia run out 16-11 winners against Slovakia.

In Group C current world champions Spain finished top of the pile, booking a quarter-final spot courtesy of a 17-6 win over Germany.

The other match in the group saw Netherlands and Romania play out a 12-12 draw, with Tudor-Andrei Fulea scored six goals for Romania as they came from behind to force a draw in a thrilling encounter.

The crossover matches to decide the remaining quarter-finals are scheduled to take place on Sunday (September 4).

Montenegro are scheduled to take on Romania, Georgia are due to play The Netherlands, Greece are set to face Israel and France are due to play Serbia in these matches.

The final round of preliminary matches are scheduled to take place in the women’s competition tomorrow.